Nirvik Singh appointed chairman and CEO, APAC, at Grey Group

Singh, who used to be chairman and CEO, Grey Group, South and Southeast Asia, will play a larger role in the group in 2009

Nirvik & #BANNER1 & # Singh has been promoted as chairman and chief executive officer, APAC region, at the Grey Group. He will assume his new responsibilities from January 1, 2009.

Until recently, this position was held by Mike Amour, who had been with the agency since 2005. Till now, Singh was serving as chairman and CEO, Grey Group, South and Southeast Asia. Singh took on the additional responsibility as CEO of G2 Asia Pacific, a specialised marketing agency, in 2007.

Talking to afaqs!, Singh says that once he takes over his new position, a slew of restructuring plans will be announced for Grey India.

Jim Heekin, chairman and CEO, Grey Group, says in an official note, "Nirvik Singh is one of the most dynamic and accomplished of the new generation of leaders emerging in the Asia-Pacific's advertising industry. His promotion underscores the talent Grey possesses in its ranks."

Talking about the journey so far, Heekin says, "Together, Mike and Nirvik have accelerated the Grey Group's performance in our 17 Asian markets. They have created a strong foundation for our rapid growth by recruiting world-class talent, elevating our creative product, winning new business and delivering outstanding client service across the communications spectrum. Their years of partnership ensure that this transition will be seamless. I am confident Nirvik will take Grey to the next level."

Singh has been with the Grey Group for around 19 years now. He began his stint at Grey Kolkata at the age of 26. At 33, he headed Grey India. In 1997, he was designated chief operating officer. In 2005, the responsibility of the Southeast Asian operations fell to him.

He has been instrumental in building the G2 network, as head of G2 Asia Pacific. Acquisitions such as Star Echo in China and RAMS in India have been conducted under his leadership.